In a dramatic address that has reverberated across West Africa, President Talon of Benin delivered a powerful call to action at a regional summit in Abuja, urging immediate and decisive integration among West African economies. As the region grapples with a crisis of confidence and cooperation, Talon’s uncompromising speech has ignited a fervent debate on the necessity of economic unity.

Talon emphasized the pressing need for a cohesive economic framework, lamenting that despite the existence of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the region remains the least integrated globally. He pointed to the inadequacies of existing structures, such as the WAPCO gas pipeline, which has failed to meet current energy demands. The President criticized the bureaucratic hurdles that plague cross-border trade, highlighting the absurdity of lengthy travel times between major cities like Lagos and Abidjan due to administrative inefficiencies.

“Poverty is the mother of all catastrophes,” Talon declared, underscoring the urgency for leaders to prioritize economic collaboration over political differences. He called for a collective effort to dismantle barriers that hinder trade and economic growth, warning that failure to act could lead to a deepening cycle of poverty and instability.

In a bold move, Talon proposed that Benin and Nigeria lead the charge towards a new era of economic integration, urging other leaders to join this transformative initiative. “We must take responsibility for our development,” he asserted, challenging his fellow leaders to overcome the inertia that has held back the region for too long.

As the summit unfolds, the eyes of West Africa are on Talon and his ambitious vision for a united economic future. The time for action is now, and the stakes could not be higher.